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Raymond J. DeWispeleare
March 14, 1927 ~ May 20, 2015 (age 88) 88 Years OldShare using:
Raymond J. DeWispeleare
March 14, 1927 ~ May 20, 2015
Raymond J. DeWispeleare, 88, formerly of Lakeville, IN, passed away at 4:25 pm Wednesday May 20, 2015 in his home in Mishawaka. He was born March 14, 1927 in Mishawaka to the late Camiel and Helena (Brackavelt) DeWispeleare and remained a lifelong area resident, living in Lakeville for over 50 years.
Ray served his country honorably in the United States Marines during both World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was discharged with honors after serving on the USS Kearsage CB33 as a 90 millimeter gunner. Ray was a member of the Lakeville American Legion for 60 years, the Marshall County FOP and a lifetime member of the DAV Chapter 42. Ray was the manager of Jack’s Bar in Lakeville until 2000, when he retired after 45 years.
On October 16, 1954 in Albion, IN, Ray married the former Margaret Maxine Thomas, who survives. In addition to his loving wife of 60 years, he is survived by daughters, Laura A. (Larry “L.J.”) Carpenter of Mishawaka and Pamela S. Blazi of South Bend; sons, Dennis (Barbara) Striker of South Carolina, Gregory (Cindy) Striker of Ft. Wayne, IN, Lonny J. (Sharon) DeWispeleare of Mishawaka and Brent A. DeWispeleare, also of Mishawaka; nineteen grandchildren; and 32 great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Nancy Davis of Mooresville, NC and Sr. Maryann Burkhart of Ft. Wayne, IN; and brothers, Albert DeWispeleare and William (Joyce) Needham, both of Ft. Wayne; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members. Ray was preceded in death by a son, Camiel M. Striker; one sister, Marie Holiday; and one brother, Robert DeWispeleare.
Funeral services for Ray will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, May 27, 2015 in the Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend. Rev. Greg Crump will officiate. Military graveside services and burial will follow in Southlawn Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 - 8:00 pm Tuesday, May 26, 2015 in the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Ray may be donated to Harbor Light Hospice, 1608 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be left for the DeWispeleare family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.